Tips On Getting Organized - How To Get Organized Using This Simple 3-Step Process

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One of my top tips on getting organized is to follow this easy 3-step organizing process.

If you're struggling with how to get organized or you want to declutter your home or you're organizing small spaces or what have you, this simple self organizing system can be applied to anything and everything.

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Follow These 3 Steps To Organize Anything

Everyone has their own way of doing things, but there is a general
organizing procedure I follow when conquering almost any space or
item...

and
lastly, a continuous step if you will, is to maintain. Utilizing this
process ensures you always have a place to start and breaks down the
task into doable sections.

Tips On Getting Organized: Step 1

PURGE

The first
step in getting organized is to pare down. Trash or recycle items that
are no longer usable (i.e. broken, worn, old), and donate things that
you don't want anymore but are in working condition (i.e. gently worn
clothing, functioning electronics).

This part of the process can
be tough as it involves making concrete decisions. Ask yourself a series
of questions if you get stuck. They can vary according to what you are
getting organized, but below are some general questions to get you
started.

Do I still use it?

Have I ever used it?

Does it still work?

How often do I use it?

Is it still in style?

How many of this same item do I have?

Does it have sentimentality?

Is it something I need to refer to?

Can I access it elsewhere without keeping the item?

Once you make a decision about an item, it needs to be placed in the corresponding pile, box or bag...

Trash: items no longer usable

Recycle: items no longer usable but can be recycled (i.e. electronics)

Complete
the purging step of the process by taking out the trash and recycling and
putting the donation and distribution items in your car (if possible). This
finalizes your decisions and hinders you from undoing all of your hard
organizing work!

Tips On Getting Organized: Step 2

SORT

Now
that you have gotten rid of everything there is to get rid of, it's
time to focus on what's left. Step two of my tips for organization is to sort
your items using one of the basic organizing principles: like goes with
like. This will show you how much of each type of item you have and help
determine how to store your things (step three).

If you can
complete the organizing procedure in one session, then feel free to
separate your items into piles. If not, then use labeled bins or boxes
to create solid divisions. This will ensure your things stay organized
until you complete step three.

Optional:

Between step two and three is the time to buy organizational products, as now you can see what and how much you have.

Tips On Getting Organized: Step 3

STORE

Having
sorted all of your items and possibly purchased organizing products,
you can now move on to step three of getting organized! Store your items
according to size and convenience. Keep in mind this doesn't
necessarily mean things are going back to the same place. In fact, they
almost never do!

For example...

If you are conquering a
linen closet and have gotten rid of a variety of sheets and pillow cases
with no matches, the linens may not need to go back on the shelf with
the most vertical space. Instead, the bulkier towels are going to go
there now.

Congratulations! You have completed initial organization! Give
yourself a pat on the back. This is a huge accomplishment and you should
be proud. I am!

This means that you have finished organizing
whatever it is that needed organizing and all that's left is to maintain
(which is SO much easier and less time consuming).

Tips On Getting Organized: Step 4

MAINTAIN

Create
habits for yourself, so that you can keep up with all the hard work you
have accomplished. For instance, at the end of the work day, take 10
minutes to put away office supplies and to file papers in their
corresponding file folders. These short, simple tasks will ensure you
stay organized and take no time at all!